Brian McClellan - Forsworn

“Kez it is, then,” the man said. He flipped his hand dismissively to Papa, who turned back toward the ox cart.

Norrine felt her breath coming quicker. “Papa? Where are you going?”

“I’ll be right here until you’ve finished,” Papa said gently.

“Until I finish what?”

“With me.”

Norrine turned to find the man in front of her, within arm’s reach. He didn’t look very old-thirty at the most-but she could see the lines on his face and the way his skin was already weathered.

“What do you want?” her voice came out a whisper.

His face serious, the man reached into his breast pocket. He removed a powder charge and held it out toward her on his palm. “I want you to show me what you can do.” The powder charge suddenly split, the white paper curling as the black powder within began to glow and spark, burning away slowly until nothing was left but ash and the sulfur smell of burnt powder.

Norrine felt her eyes widen. He was a powder mage.

“My name is Captain Tamas. A friend of mine has asked me to teach you how to use your powers and as I am currently stationed nearby….” The corner of his mouth lifted once more. “You begin your training today.”